Paula

Isabel Allende · b. 1942 · Chile

Originally Paula (Spanish) · translated by Margaret Sayers Peden

Why it matters

Written at her dying daughter's bedside, Allende's memoir unspools her own turbulent family history and exile as a letter meant to be heard, if only Paula could wake to hear it. Grief transmuted directly into her most personal book.

At a glance

Warm, direct memoir prose, though the braided grief and family chronicle reward patience.